The New Zealand Game Developers Conference has confirmed its 2026 edition will run over three days in September at Wellington's Tākina Convention Centre — the event's largest programme since it began.
Organisers say this year's conference will feature more than sixty sessions across four tracks: craft, business, culture and a new production track aimed at studio leads. The popular student showcase doubles its floor space after last year's edition turned away exhibitors, and a dedicated publisher-meeting lounge returns for its third year.
A scene still growing
The local industry has plenty to talk about. The New Zealand Game Developers Association's most recent survey put the sector's annual revenue above half a billion dollars, with Wellington and Auckland studios accounting for the bulk of headcount growth. International attention has followed — several Aotearoa studios signed publishing deals in the past year, and local co-development work for overseas partners continues to expand.
Keynote speakers are yet to be announced, though organisers have teased "a name long-time attendees have been requesting for years." Early-bird passes go on sale next month, with student pricing held at last year's rates.
ComboPilot will be attending all three days — if you are a local developer with something to show, our inbox is open as always.